2012-08-CA-001

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 2, 2012) — Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, and Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, met for talks in Islamabad, Pakistan.

This meeting was another in a series of opportunities for the Commanders to continue building upon the growing operational cooperation between the Afghan National Security Forces, the Pakistan military and ISAF. All three parties share many interests - including a commitment to expanding opportunities for coordinated action against terrorists on both sides of the border who threaten Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region, and their support of Afghanistan's security, stability, and efforts towards reconciliation.  They also share a responsibility for protecting the brave Afghan and Pakistani soldiers working in the border region.

The future security and stability of the region rests in large part on the strength of the partnership these discussions are forging.  The talks also recognized the importance of future opportunities for key ANSF, Pakistani military and ISAF senior leaders to continue to explore ways to expand their vital partnership.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during the meeting said that the Pak-U.S. relationship should be based on mutual trust, respect, and transparency. He said the current meeting has helped towards improving strategic and operational understanding between the Pakistan Military and ISAF.

"I look forward to these visits and am pleased with the upward spiral in our relationship they represent. We are making significant progress toward building a partnership that is enduring, strategic, carefully defined, and that enhances the security and prosperity of the region," said Allen.